Local News

Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order to Keepo The Grand Canyon Open in the event of Future Government Shutdowns

February 9, 2018

Governor Doug Ducey on February 9th issued an executive order to keep the Grand Canyon open in case there is another government shutdown.

Ducey is calling on Arizona State Parks and Trails to work with the federal government to create a game plan and a set of protolcols.

According to a news release Governor Ducey instructed that the plan:

1. Outline a continuity of operations strategy for the Grand Canyon National Park;
2. Detail a process to determine the financial impact of the continuity of operations strategy;
3. And establish guidelines to facilitate a transfer of funds from the State of Arizona to the Department of Interior, as necessary to fund the continued operations of the Grand Canyon National Park.

The release quotes Ducey as saying, “We will not let Washington’s lack of action prevent us from welcoming visitors to the Grand Canyon,” said Governor Ducey. “The Department of Interior, the National Park Service, and local communities have been excellent partners with the State of Arizona in keeping the Grand Canyon open in the face of chaos in Congress. We look forward to continuing that partnership, and this plan will ensure predictably.”

Prior to Ducey's announcement , Tusayan Mayor Craig Sanderson said the State of Arizona should take the lead in keeping the Grand Canyon National Park open when the federal government shuts down..